Soil Type: AcidicEricaceous: Requires a neutral or acid soil (or ericaceous compost), with a pH of 7 or belowSoil Moisture: Moist, but well drained

A gorgeous Camellia with showy peony-like ruby-red flowers from early to mid-winter. This spreading evergreen shrub has glossy dark green leaves that catch the winter sun and the flowers appear just when the garden seems to need some colour. A lovely plant for a small garden or in a winter border.

Garden Care: Protect from cold dry winds and early morning sun as buds may be damaged by cold winds and late frosts. Water established plants in dry weather to prevent buddrop. Apply a liquid plant food in mid-spring and mulch annually with leaf mould or shredded bark. After flowering lightly trim or prune any branches that spoil the look of the shrub.